1. Introduction: Every two years, a new legislative session begins, and any legislation not passed must restart the process. Thousands of bills are introduced on various subjects. 2. Committee Assignment: Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a specific standing committee that reviews the legislation. 3. Committee Review: The committee's staff analyzes the bill, writes summaries, and can prepare amendments. The committee chairman can decide whether to hold a hearing for discussion. 4. Committee Voting: After committee discussions, members vote on proposed amendments and whether to move the bill forward or table it. 5. Appropriations Committee: If the bill involves spending, it goes to the Appropriations Committee for a fiscal review before moving to the full chamber. 6. Chamber Consideration: Majorities of both party members caucus to discuss the bill. The bill is read three times in the chamber, with the first reading being an announcement and no debate; the second reading involves screening for debate, and the third allows for full debate and voting. 7. Second Chamber Review: If approved, the bill travels to the second chamber, following the same committee and floor processes. 8. Amendments and Compromise: If the second chamber amends the bill, it returns for approval from the original chamber. If there are disagreements, a conference committee resolves the differences. 9. Governor's Decision: Once both chambers agree on the final version, it is sent to the Governor, who can sign it into law, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. The General Assembly can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Members of the public can get involved in the legislative process in Pennsylvania in several ways: 1. Engaging with Legislators: Constituents can communicate their opinions, support, or opposition regarding specific bills to their elected representatives. This contact can influence the committee chairman's decision on whether to consider a bill. 2. Attending Committee Hearings: The public can attend hearings held by standing committees. Witnesses are often invited to provide testimony on legislation, and members of the public can share their views, whether in support of or in opposition to the bill. 3. Providing Testimony: Individuals can request to provide testimony during committee hearings, where they can explain their perspectives and the impact of the legislation. This is a direct way to influence the legislative process. 4. Advocating for Specific Legislation: Organizations or groups can mobilize to advocate for particular bills by rallying support from the community and encouraging constituents to reach out to their legislators. 5. Writing Letters or Emails: Public members can express their views by writing letters or sending emails to both state representatives and senators, urging them to support or oppose certain legislation. 6. Participating in Public Forums and Events: Various civic and local organizations may hold forums where community members can discuss upcoming legislation and share their insights or concerns. 7. Leveraging Social Media: Individuals can also utilize social media platforms to raise awareness and advocate for specific legislative issues among their peers.

Tracking bills is hard, especially if you rely on state legislature websites, which are often hard to navigate. Thousands of bills get filed in Pennsylvania every year (and about 180,000 bills nationwide). If you want to be an effective advocate, you need to know where legislation of interest stands, and act quickly.

FastDemocracy's free version allows you to track an unlimited number of bills - no strings attached. We'll send you a daily or weekly email on your priority bills and give you tools to research bills and legislators.

FastDemocracy Professional is for anyone who tracks bills in a professional capacity. It features

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1. Sign up here for a free FastDemocracy account.

2. Head to Tracked Topics to select issue areas you care about.

3. Use the search bar on top if you're looking for something specific.

4. Click "Track Bill" for any legislation you'd like to monitor a bit closer. That's how you add it to your Tracked Bills. You can also click on a bill to learn more, see the bill summary, most recent actions, votes, news and tweets. You can also contact legislators or share your bills on social media.

5. You can track an unlimited number of bills for free and we'll send you a daily or weekly email if your tracked legislation moves.

6. Do you need real-time alerts, outreach tools, bill lists, and professional functions? Then FastDemocracy Professional is the right fit for you.

7. Track bills on your smartphone using our free mobile app.

You can use the Find Your Legislators tool to find them, see their voting records, and contact them.